Musician Lapiro de Mbanga comments on his situation in the prison, and on his cause
In September 2008, Lapiro was sentenced to three years imprisonment and a huge fine. Sharing a cell with more than 50 persons, Lapiro's health has deteriorated as hygiene conditions and food are substandard. This video interview was recorded by Freedom to Create in the prison in November 2009.
"Imprisonment will neither stop me nor my music," says Lapiro de Mbanga, who has a long history of voicing the frustrations of the people in Cameroon. Lapiro de Mbanga believes that music can be used as a strong tool against corruption and power abuse, and he has become a symbol of peaceful resistance to the erosion of democracy in Cameroon.
Opposing constitutional amendment in 2008, which not only provided the president with immunity from prosecution for acts as president, but even allow president Biya to run for unlimited re-elections, Lapiro de Mbanga wrote the song 'Constitution Constipée' (Constipated Constitution), which inspired demonstrations all over the country.
Courage and creativity Lapiro de Mbanga — described as an "unceremonial sheriff of the backyards" — was selected in 2009 to receive a special Imprisoned Artist Prize by Freedom to Create "in recognition of his courage and outstanding artwork" by a distinguished panel including world famous conductor Daniel Barenboim and Geoffrey Robertson, one of the world's foremost human rights lawyers.
The Freedom to Create Prize celebrates the courage and creativity of artists around the world, who use their talents to build the foundations of open societies, promote social justice and inspire human spirit. More than 1,000 artists from more than 100 countries were nominated in 2009.
The prize was 25,000 US dollars, which Lapiro could use in support for his release and for his family who has suffered immensely since his arrest.
Motivation The motivation of the panel read: "As an ambassador for the freedom to create, his example will give voice to countless artists around the globe who use their talent to create a brighter future for all. Freemuse also represent those artists, some yet unheard of, who are sacrificing their personal freedom and safety on a daily basis in order to make our future brighter for all."
Ole Reitov from Freemuse added: "As Lapiro points out, this is also recognition of all other artists out there who are suffering suppression and illegal imprisonment. And Lapiro is still not a free man, so we will continue to campaign for his release together with our sister organisations."
Singer Lapiro de Mbanga has filed a case against the Chief Medical Officer of the Douala Central Prison for having denied him access to medical attention while in prison
On 8 May 2011 Freemuse recorded singer Lapiro de Mbanga's first video interview since he was released from prison in Douala on 8 April after three years imprisonment
Singer Lapiro de Mbanga was released from New Bell Prison in Douala on Friday 8 April 2011 at 2 pm after three years imprisonment under harsh conditions
After years of international campaigning, Freemuse finally managed to have a personal meeting with Lapiro de Mbanga who has been imprisoned in Cameroon since 2008
Music Freedom Day 2011: An exiled DJ returns to Kabul, music is smuggled out from Burma, and Freemuse hands over an award to an imprisoned singer in Cameroon
Here on Earth - Radio Without Borders, a one-hour live programme on Wisconsin Public Radio broadcasted a special feature programme about the album ‘Listen to the banned’
In ‘Smashed Hits 2.0’, Cameroonian singer Lapiro de Mbanga gives an exclusive interview to Daniel Brown from prison on protest, politics and the art of satire
The fact that Lapiro is in prison for his music has discouraged other artists in the country to create any kind of innovative projects or critical song lyrics
Lapiro de Mbanga, imprisoned since 2008 retaliates at Minister of Communication who on 30 July 2010 announced that Cameroon did not host any political prisoners
Danish politicians demand investigation of financial support to company accused of inhuman working conditions and co-responsibility for the imprisonment of singer Lapiro
On 16 June 2010, the international legal team for singer Lapiro de Mbanga filed an urgent action petition with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Freedom Now, a US-based lawyers’ advocacy organisation urges secretary-general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, to request that President Biya releases Lapiro de Mbanga
A.P. Moller - Maersk Group, the worldwide conglomerate operating in around 130 countries, is accused for being partly responsible for the imprisonment of singer Lapiro
The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN has launched a new protest campaign for the continuing imprisonment of singer-songwriter Lapiro de Mbanga
